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Moths

Tineola Bisselliella, known best as the COMMON CLOTHES MOTH, WEBBING CLOTHES MOTH, or simply CLOTHING MOTH. The caterpillars (larvae) of this species of moth are considered as a serious pest, as they derive nourishment from clothing, in particular wool, but many other natural fibres and also like most related species, from stored produce.

The moth prefer moist conditions, although low humidity will merely slow development. Over the past few years, the winters are have been milder which the moth is able to survive and thrive throughout the winter months. This species is notorious for feeding on clothing and natural fibres as they have the ability to digest keratin. The moths prefer dirty fabric and are particularly attracted to carpets and clothing that contains human sweat or other liquids which have been spilled onto them. The sweat on the textiles provide the moisture for the larvae, as the larvae can not drink naturally, consequently their food must contain moisture for them to survive.

The adult moth itself does not cause the damage you may find on your clothing or carpets, it is the larvae stage of the moth. Once the larvae has consumed enough food (keratin), they pupate and undergo the next stage of the ‘complete metamorphosis’. The moths then emerge from the pupae cases (adults) of which the males are then in search of females with whom to mate. The females then look for ideal places to lay their eggs. Once reproduction is complete, the adult moth dies shortly afterwards.

If this pest is left untreated or ignored, the potential damage to your textiles, clothes, carpets etc could be very expensive.

Recommendations To Prevent A Common Clothes Moth Infestation:

  1. Check for moths in the cracks, crevices, folds of clothing
  2. Make sure your dirty / sweaty clothes are clean before storing them
  3. Keep items in vacuum bags or in sealed boxes with lids
  4. At least once a month, give your clothes a shake down (especially those clothes you do not wear regularly) as moths dislike being disturbed
  5. Regular hoovering around the bottom of wardrobes and other furniture
  6. Having your open chimneys checked and cleaned once a year by a professional chimney sweep
  7. Look underneath seats for signs of webbing or ‘cases’
  8. Look inside your loft spaces for bird activity / nests
  9. After using your hoover, empty the contents into a bag, seal it up and dispose of it in an outside bin
  10. If any of the above recommendations have failed to control the moth, please call BioPest Management Ltd. We will be happy to assist you in controlling your infestation

BioPest Management Ltd offer a range of control and monitoring programmes from pheromone traps, non pesticide solutions, residual insecticide sprays and ultra low volume insecticide treatments. Please contact our team of highly trained technicians and surveyors for support and advice in eradicating your moth activity.

Wasps

Common Wasps, generally build their nests inside something, this can be a roof space/loft, garden shed, inside an air brick or even in the ground. Other Wasps build their nests in bushes, trees, hedgerows and even underground. Basically they build their nests anywhere that they find suitable and where it is protected from the elements and is undisturbed. The nest material is strong, lightweight and surprisingly waterproof. You often find that houses with wooden fascias are more susceptible to wasp activity and nesting than houses with the newer uPVC fittings.

In late spring, large wasps can be seen. These are queens who are looking for suitable nest sites. These can be deserted mammal holes, cracks in walls or holes in trees. The nests are made from chewed up wood and wasp saliva which creates a paper-like material.

In late summer new queens and male drones emerge from the nest. Each colony contains only one queen and after mating in late autumn the new queens overwinters in holes or other sheltered locations. Colonies only last one year and once the new queens departs all the other wasps in the colony die.

Towards the end of September the nests are at maximum capacity, with lots of adults and few larvae. This means that there will be lots of wasps visible but also affects what food they look for. While the adults feed on nectar the larvae are fed on insects. When feeding larvae, adults obtain a small, sugar rich droplet of liquid from the young. With fewer larvae the adults don’t need to look for as much protein but do need more sugars and carbohydrates. It is because of this need for carbohydrates that wasps might go for your crisps rather than your jam this month

One of the most feared and aggressive pests, wasps will attack and sting, sometimes unprovoked but usually if threatened. This is risk and a cause for concern if you have small children or pets as for some wasp stings can be very dangerous causing severe reactions, with several people dying from wasp stings every year

BioPest Management Ltd have team members that are fully trained and experienced in safely treating wasp nests and eradicating the wasps. We will also remove the wasp nest if this is requested. Our Service Technicians use all modern equipment to treat the nests wearing full PPE, (Personal Protective Equipment) where required.

Do not risk being stung by this pest. Contact BioPest today so we can offer our expertise and advice and treat the nest for you.

BioPest Wasp Pots

We have all experienced the displeasure of having wasps flying around us when dining in the garden, having BBQ’s, dining out in your local pub garden or just generally being a pest when in the garden or at your place of work. Placing a number of BioPest Wasp Pots at strategic points in the garden will help lure the wasps away from where you are enjoying your activities and reduce the risk of being stung. Each wasp pot contains a special fermented solution that is irresistible to wasps and hornets. The clever design means that once the wasps are inside, they will never get out.